Greg Oden, American basketball player

Gregory Wayne Oden Jr., born on January 22, 1988, is an American former professional basketball player whose career was significantly impacted by persistent injuries. Standing at a formidable 7 feet 0 inches (2.13 meters) and weighing approximately 250 pounds (110 kilograms) during his playing days, Oden was an imposing center known for his defensive prowess and rim protection. Today, he continues his association with basketball as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, Ohio State University, contributing his vast experience to the next generation of athletes.

A Standout Collegiate Career at Ohio State

Oden’s single season with the Ohio State Buckeyes men's basketball team was nothing short of spectacular. During the 2006-2007 NCAA season, he was a dominant force, leading the team alongside fellow freshman phenom and future NBA All-Star Mike Conley Jr. to an impressive 35-4 overall record. Under the guidance of head coach Thad Matta, the Buckeyes clinched both the outright Big Ten Conference regular-season Championship and the Big Ten Tournament title. Their remarkable run culminated in an appearance in the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship game, where they finished as the national runner-up, narrowly losing to the Florida Gators in a highly anticipated contest. Despite playing through a wrist injury that required surgery after the season, Oden averaged 15.7 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 3.3 blocks per game in the NCAA Tournament, showcasing his immense potential and making him one of the most highly touted collegiate prospects in recent memory.

The Unfortunate "Bust" Label: High Expectations vs. Harsh Reality

On June 28, 2007, the basketball world had its eyes on the NBA Draft. Gregory Oden was selected as the first overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers, a monumental decision made directly ahead of future NBA superstar Kevin Durant. This selection underscored the immense hype surrounding Oden, who was widely considered a generational talent capable of transforming a franchise with his rare combination of size, athleticism, and defensive instincts. However, due to a relentless string of severe injuries that tragically plagued his professional career, many analysts and fans have controversially labeled him as one of the "biggest busts" in NBA history. This designation, while harsh, largely reflects the stark contrast between his extraordinary pre-draft potential and his inability to consistently stay on the court at the professional level.

An NBA Journey Plagued by Persistent Injuries

Post-Trail Blazers: Comeback Attempts and Continued Passion for Basketball

Despite the immense physical and mental toll of his injury setbacks, Oden’s determination to play basketball resurfaced. In August 2013, more than three years after his last NBA appearance, he signed with the Miami Heat. This move was a highly anticipated comeback bid, as he joined a Heat squad featuring LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh, which was then a perennial championship contender. Oden played 23 regular-season games and appeared in the 2014 NBA playoffs with the Heat, contributing limited but valuable minutes as a backup center before becoming a free agent.

After his NBA stint, Oden explored opportunities overseas. He played in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) during the 2015–16 season for the Jiangsu Dragons, continuing his professional career abroad. In October 2016, citing the cumulative toll of injuries and the demanding nature of professional play, Oden publicly stated his decision to retire from basketball as a player, seemingly bringing an end to his playing career on the court.

However, his love for the game remained evident. In July 2018, Oden participated in The Basketball Tournament (TBT), a high-stakes summer basketball tournament featuring professional and former college players, demonstrating his enduring connection to competitive play. His continued engagement with the sport was further highlighted in May 2019 when he was selected as the 7th overall pick in the 2019 Big3 Draft, a professional 3-on-3 basketball league primarily featuring former NBA players, showcasing his enduring passion and commitment to the game even after his official retirement.

Gregory Oden's Enduring Connection to Basketball and Ohio State

Today, Gregory Oden is actively involved in the development of young athletes as a graduate assistant for the men's basketball team at Ohio State University. This role allows him to share his extensive experience and profound knowledge of the game with current student-athletes, guiding them both on and off the court. His journey, marked by immense promise, unfortunate injuries, and unwavering resilience, offers invaluable lessons for aspiring athletes about perseverance and the unpredictable nature of professional sports. While his NBA career didn't unfold as many had hoped, Oden's enduring impact as a dominant collegiate player and his current dedication to mentoring at Ohio State underscore his lasting influence in the basketball community.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gregory Oden

Where is Gregory Oden now?
Gregory Oden currently serves as a graduate assistant for the men's basketball team at Ohio State University, his alma mater, where he helps mentor and coach current student-athletes.
Why is Gregory Oden considered an NBA "bust"?
He is often labeled a "bust" because, despite being the first overall pick in the highly anticipated 2007 NBA Draft (selected ahead of future MVP Kevin Durant) and possessing immense talent and potential, his professional career was severely derailed by a series of significant and recurring injuries, particularly to his knees and feet. These injuries limited him to only 82 regular-season games over five NBA seasons, preventing him from fulfilling the exceptionally high expectations placed upon him.
What was Gregory Oden's college basketball record?
In his single, highly successful season at Ohio State University (2006-2007), Gregory Oden helped lead the Buckeyes to an impressive 35-4 overall record, securing both the Big Ten Conference Championship and the Big Ten Tournament title, and ultimately finishing as the national runner-up in the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship.
What was Gregory Oden's most significant injury?
His most significant and career-altering injury was the microfracture surgery on his right knee, which he underwent in September 2007, causing him to miss his entire rookie NBA season. He later experienced further microfracture procedures and other recurring knee and foot issues that severely limited his playing time throughout his career.
Did Gregory Oden play for the Miami Heat?
Yes, Gregory Oden signed with the Miami Heat in August 2013, marking a comeback attempt after a long hiatus due to injuries. He played 23 regular-season games and appeared in the 2014 NBA playoffs with the team, which featured stars like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh.